Check out this house in Ottawa, Ontario. There is tons of exterior interest with the juxtaposition of the verious rooms and levels of the home as well as the use of different materials (brick, cedar and aluminum).

The interior seems to feel spacious and clean, yet comfortable thanks to the dark wood floors. I think this house would fit nicely in certain areas of Vancouver (think Westside and certain areas in the East where Van Specials aren't as prominent).